An increasing demand for tobacco in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia today helped the cigarette-maker behind Gauloises and Lambert & Butler enjoy a 1.2% rise in annual operating profit to £3.1billion.

The Duchess of Cambridge has performed her first solo royal engagement - after the Prince of Wales asked his "darling daughter-in-law" to stand in.She hosted a reception and dinner at Clarence House after Charles was suddenly forced to travel abroad.